* On 12/30/2019 — in a desperate and futile display of optimism — M.L. Elrick (@elrick), Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (@ShawnWindsor) convene Once Upon a Time in Ferndale to record their second show since the podcast came “off pause.” Due to contractual matters, it would not post for another week. ((Sigh))* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  After days … and DAYS  … AND DAYS of giving ML s*** for failing to file story notes for the triumphant return of the podcast (the “Lost Episode,” recorded 12/18/2019), Marc reveals that he now understands that the delay was due to ML’s protracted separation from Fox 2. ML confesses that he intentionally did not file story notes on a timely basis because he was afraid Marc might post the show before he concluded his business with Fox 2. In the end, the damn show didn’t post until more than two weeks after the tardy story notes were filed. (The “Lost Episode” was finally released on 1/6/2020.) SHEESH!!! A discussion of why it took so long to officially cut ties to Fox 2 ensues.* Shawn weighs in to disclose that he is an experienced dubie roller and to take a gratuitous shot at whisker-challenged ML.. Marc chimes in with unkind words for ML’s super groovy Christmas cap. ML again wonders why he gave up a successful TV career to take such abuse…* The conversation turns to a typically genius line from staff of the defunct Orbit magazine during their takeover of the Metro Times.* The boys reminisce about the days when having a pierced ear made a young man “edgy.” This leads to a roll call to determine whether any of them have a tattoo.* The next stop on the trip down memory lane includes a take on the depleted state of modern newsrooms and ML’s unfounded concern that sensitivity training at Local 4 would prove effective for more than 45 seconds.* Keeping things light (yeah, right!), Marc leads a discussion of whether sensitivity training has gone too far.* Marc shows some aptitude for investigative reporting, revealing that ML’s departure from Fox 2 did not go as planned.* THE GREAT DEBATE: Do Detroit Lions fans bear the greatest responsibility for the team’s enduring failure to succeed? One righteous, insightful cat says “Yea!” Two Motor City Kitties say “Nay!” Find out what the wrong guys said. * GEEK OF THE WEEK: A nation that doesn’t often come to mind as a tourist destination (even though it really does have some lovely places to visit) has created one of the worst museums ever conceived in an apparent effort to lure visitors. Find out where you shouldn’t go so you don’t have to visit something that never should have been created.* ROOM 7609: You’ve probably never heard of Visage. And you’ve probably never heard of their biggest hit, “Fade to Gray.” But you’ve almost certainly seen or heard some of the members of this surprisingly influential New Romantic band.* HARD OUT: Please be sure to let our sponsors know you heard them on the podcast! We can’t go on without continued sponsor support, and they really do keep track of referrals from loyal listeners. So if you need a mortgage,

Marc Somethingorother, Shawn Whatsisname and DruWave reunite with M.L. Earring at Red Shovel Network HQ as ML’s Soul of Detroit is taken […]

* Marc Somethingorother, Shawn Whatsisname and DruWave reunite with M.L. Earring at Red Shovel Network HQ as ML’s Soul of Detroit is taken “OFF pause!” after FOUR MONTHS!!! * Here’s the opening scene: ML shows up in the basement and says: “Where’s the sleeper?” Marc says: “The sleeper is sleeping.” ML says: “Well, wake ‘im up!” * Next up is a slightly revised opening. Can YOU catch the difference?* Freshly unemployed, ML sets out to emulate Ted Williams, hoping some exposure on the RSN will revive his media fortunes.* The former DruWave joins the former Rick Rock for a trip down memory lane, replete with a detour through Lake Orion High School on their way to exhume the “Boom goes the dynamite” guy. * ML’s long-awaited return devolves into a mini-roast, causing him to reconsider his decision to walk away from a relatively lucrative TV career. Shawn opines he isn’t surprised ML left Fox 2 — he’s surprised he lasted as long as he did! A discussion of “Eff You!” money follows, in which it is revealed that ML, Drew Lane and Charlie LeDuff have something in common (hint: it’s not blue thongs).* After another round of ML abuse, Marc inquires if he feels “free.” This triggers a flashback to when ML left WDIV/Loco 4 back in 2007.* Serious news talk develops as Marc mentions ML’s last report for Fox 2 and the time he was on the phone with ML during a stakeout and how ML had to hang up because the woman he was looking for “was on the move.” ML reveals how, later, she was “on the make.”* The mood changes — and the quality of conversation rises — as Shawn discusses how he came to write his poignant examination of MSU basketball star Cassius Winston’s efforts to come to grips with his brother’s suicide.  * The boys reflect on how so many people feel that they alone are feeling despair, when, in fact, it is all-too common. A plea for those who are suffering to share their emotions — and a plea for people to listen — follows. * In one of the more jarring transitions you’ll ever hear, the topic changes from the serious to the farcical,

Marc Somethingorother, Shawn Whatsisname and DruWave reunite with M.L. Earring at Red Shovel Network HQ as ML’s Soul of Detroit is taken […]

Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) is here to explain why M.L. Elrick (@elrick) and the Soul of Detroit doesn’t have a new […]

Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) is here to explain why M.L. Elrick (@elrick) and the Soul of Detroit doesn’t have a new episode today. We apologize as we were supposed to have Anthony Fenech’s only post Justin Verlander dust-up interview. All of us, even Shawn Windsor (@ShawnWindsor), thank you and our advertisers for your endless support. If you want to show even more support around town visit DrewandMikeStore.com for show T-shirts, stickers and ML’s Kwame Sutra book. Thank you, Detroit!

Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) is here to explain why M.L. Elrick (@elrick) and the Soul of Detroit doesn’t have a new […]

M.L. Elrick (@elrick), Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (@ShawnWindsor) turn Red Shovel Network HQ into their own personal hall […]

M.L. Elrick (@elrick), Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (@ShawnWindsor) turn Red Shovel Network HQ into their own personal hall of shame. Then they encourage you to join them on a pedal pub ride. Do you dare? Read on and find out how…

THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Offering insights that no one asked for — and may wish they never knew — the triumvirate reveals some of their deepest, darkest secrets. We’ll leave it up to you whether you want to listen, but we must warn you it is impossible to unhear what the boys are putting down.

Despite being a handsome hunk of manhood, Marc bares his soul and reveals that he hides from cameras. Is he bashful — or Nosferatu? 

Shy by nature, ML shares that he likes to freak people out with his words and, on occasion, his wardrobe. He tells a tale worthy of Po — you got that, Edgar Allan?!?

The normally retiring Shawn divulges that he likes nothing better than to see vigilantes exact a bloody revenge on evildoers. Is he talking about the silver screen … or should ML and Marc LAY OFF FOR ONCE, DAMMIT!?!

Two words: DANE COOK.

Cheetos, taquitos and … rat turds? 

Shawn likes to good-naturedly (or is it jealously?) jab ML for his high-handed ways. Turns out Star Trek may be partly to blame.

ML tells the “Dirty Angel” story. For once, it’s a short one — but, of course, well-told.

ML tells the “Harold the Dog” story. As usual, it’s a long one — but, for once, not well-told. AT LEAST ACCORDING TO THE BULLIES MARC AND SHAWN. (Anyone got a match?)

Shawn’s long-winded paean to the chili-laden tube steak almost certainly alienates a potential sponsor — despite his cohorts’ desperate attempts to pull him back from the precipice.

THE GREAT DEBATE: A billionaire tells millionaires to leave their politics in the locker room, then pops off in public with his world view, making thousandaire Shawn VERY unhappy. The boys try to calm him down. Do they succeed? There’s only one way to find out: LISTEN.

GEEK OF THE WEEK: The boys go nuclear over a vodka ginned up by some English eggheads and the Reds that is tasteless — regardless of the flavor.

ROOM 7609: Unlike a lot of programs that talk about music, the all-night party in Room 7609 is no sausage party. ML LOVES women who rock — and few rock quite as well as the Go-Go’s, as this week’s selection makes plain.

RIDE, CAPTAIN, RIDE! Join ML, Marc and Shawn for the first-ever Soul of Detroit pedal pub excursion on a Thursday evening in September! If you’re looking for a deal on a pedal pub excursion, use promo code ML SOUL to get $25 off a full-size ride with the Michigan Pedaler.

* Please be sure to let our sponsors know you he...

M.L. Elrick (@elrick), Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (@ShawnWindsor) turn Red Shovel Network HQ into their own personal hall […]